Preliminary global average temperatures taken so far in June are nearly 1°C (1.8°F) above levels previously recorded for the same month, going back to 1979. While the month is not yet complete and may not set a new June record, climate scientists say it follows a pattern of strengthening global heating that could see this year named the hottest ever recorded, topping 2016. The long-term warming conditions caused by the burning of fossil fuels will likely receive a further pulse of heat via El Niño, a naturally reoccurring phenomenon where sections of the Pacific Ocean heat up, typically causing temperatures to spike across the world.
According to the text, which one of the following is true?
Full explanation
This question tests reading comprehension. For best results, first read the passage to get an overview, then examine the options and locate the relevant information in the text.
Option A Explanation:
A) The June temperature this year is consistent with an observed trend.
The text mentions “a pattern of strengthening global heating” caused by fossil fuel burning, and the June temperature aligns with this observed warming trend. Thus, this option is true.
Option B Explanation:
B) June 1979 was the hottest month to date.
False. The text does not state that June 1979 was the hottest; rather, it indicates that temperatures this June are nearly 1°C above the average levels since 1979.
Option C Explanation:
C) Temperatures in June are not related to the El Niño phenomenon.
False. The text explicitly mentions El Niño as a contributing factor, stating it “typically causes temperatures to spike across the world.”
Option D Explanation:
D) The El Niño phenomenon limits the effects of burning fossil fuels.
False. El Niño adds to the warming effects caused by fossil fuels, giving “a further pulse of heat” rather than limiting it.
Option E Explanation:
E) This year, June will be the hottest month on record since 1979.
False. The text says June is not yet complete and may not set a new record, although it is following a warming trend.
A reading-comprehension question asks only what the passage itself explicitly supports, not what merely sounds plausible or fits general knowledge. An option is “true according to the text” only if a specific sentence backs it up; options that generalise beyond what was stated, reverse a stated relationship, or claim something the passage never actually says are all incorrect, however reasonable they sound on their own.